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Chicago to Galesburg train

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Chicago - Galesburg Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 5 daily trains from Chicago to Galesburg. Traveling by train from Chicago to Galesburg usually takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Distance156 mi (251 km)
Fastest train2h 33m
Lowest price$17.65
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines5

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Galesburg

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Jenna Lynn

February 6, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: I did not have to drive myself to Chicago. Cons: In Chicago when boarding they didn’t assign a seat. In Galesburg when boarding they did. A little confusing. Tips: Sit back and enjoy.

Pros: I did not have to drive myself to Chicago. Cons: In Chicago when boarding they didn’t assign a seat. In Galesburg when boarding they did. A little confusing. Tips: Sit back and enjoy.

5.0

Michael

June 30, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: Very comfortable. Cons: N/A. Tips: No.

Pros: Very comfortable. Cons: N/A. Tips: No.

5.0

David

January 9, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Illinois Zephyr

Pros: I like that i arrived on time and passengers was loud nor rude. Cons: N/A. Tips: Be respectful to other passengers and train staff and be patient.

Pros: I like that i arrived on time and passengers was loud nor rude. Cons: N/A. Tips: Be respectful to other passengers and train staff and be patient.

5.0

Willie

November 23, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak California Zephyr

Pros: Things were on time. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.

Pros: Things were on time. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.

5.0

Alasandra

November 4, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Was nice and clean and friendly

Was nice and clean and friendly

Train service from Chicago to Galesburg

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What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Galesburg?

In the last month, $41.82 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Galesburg. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $35.47 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$61$41$20MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Galesburg will vary between C$39 and C$61. Planning a train trip to Galesburg within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is C$42. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$204$163$122$81$41AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Galesburg by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$37 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Galesburg in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$182 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$102$81$61$41$203020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Galesburg from Chicago will be about C$35.47 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Galesburg?

There are 5 train lines with service from Chicago to Galesburg. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 13m$76.78
Amtrak California Zephyr12h 38m$56.31
Amtrak Carl Sandburg12h 41m$44.10
Amtrak Illinois Zephyr12h 41m$51.95
Amtrak Southwest Chief12h 33m$61.20

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Galesburg every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $42.

  • Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels over 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to the San Francisco area. The full journey takes over 50 hours, so many passengers upgrade to a sleeper cabin for added privacy and comfort. The Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, and the sightseer lounge’s panoramic windows offer the best views of the Rockies, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Great Salt Lake along the route.

  • The Amtrak Carl Sandburg, named after the Pulitzer-winning author, is a sister service to the Illinois Zephyr. Both operate daily services between Chicago and Quincy with additional stops in Naperville and Kewanee. Whether you buy a coach class or business class ticket, you'll have plenty of legroom and complimentary WiFi, plus access to refreshments at the onboard cafe.

  • The Illinois Zephyr is a passenger train operated by Amtrak, running between Quincy and Chicago. Taking the train from Chicago to Galesburg is a comfortable option, and tickets on this route cost on average. The Illinois Zephyr and its sister train, the Carl Sandburg, serve one of Amtrak's most popular lines. The train features amenities such as airline-style coach seating, a cafe on board, power outlets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Galesburg in about 2 hours and 33 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Galesburg. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Chicago and Galesburg is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 33 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Chicago to Galesburg are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Galesburg. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Galesburg to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Galesburg

Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.

Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.

Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Galesburg?

Main arrival station: 225 S Seminary St

Galesburg has one train station.

Train stations in Galesburg:

  • 225 S Seminary St

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